Xterra Offroad Lamp Switch

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Mr Spock

Discussion Starter · Apr 28, 2010

Ok, I am a total idiot. I was reading on here someplace and was totally blown away by someone who found the Xterra offroad lamp switch and installed it for driving lights or a light bar or something. I seem to recall that some relays were needed too. The problem is, I can't remember who did it, I can't find the thread anymore despite spending the last hour searching, and of course I didn't save it.

So, whoever did this mod, please shoot me a note. I am wondering if you had some install advice and info on what relays you used and how you put it all together.

thanks

1 - 20 of 155 Posts

Mylt1

· #2 · Apr 28, 2010

xterra off road lights? the X's i looked at used the same switch as the frontier. unless it was an older frontier. what are you trying to do?

bwarren228

· #3 · Apr 28, 2010

This is the switch... the new Xterra Off Road comes w/ roof mounted lights. Search on theNewX.org adn you'll find some write-ups.

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SDHarleydad

· #4 · Apr 28, 2010 (Edited)

I put this daystar in today and it only cost $10

Mr Spock

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 28, 2010

bwarren228 said:
This is the switch... the new Xterra Off Road comes w/ roof mounted lights. Search on theNewX.org adn you'll find some write-ups.

Yep, that's the switch. I seem to recall that an additional relay was needed to. I will look on thenewX but I could swear I saw a posting here someplace on this.

nismo2point0

· #6 · Apr 28, 2010 (Edited)

5

MORE RECENT EDIT: Added an attachment for a less complicated wiring alternative involving a part "DEI 611T".

EDIT: the original diagram I posted was not as I wired in my truck. As posted originally, the backlighting on the switch will not dim. In my truck, I wired both (+) and (-) sides of the illum. LED to the cargo switch illum. wires with no issues. I've replaced the original attachment with a "roughly" corrected one.

Also, here's the pinout of the switch for anyone who wants to know:

(From Top-Down)
1 - N/O contact
2 - N/O contact
3 - (+) backlight illum.
4 - (-) backlight illum.
5 - (+) ON indicator
6 - (-) ON indicator

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you on that write up, but I had some time today while doing laundry and finally got around to drawing it all up for you. I've attached a printable PDF for you or anyone who wants to use this switch for your lighting needs.

Parts required will be:

1 - Xterra Off-Road Lamp Switch available at CourtesyParts.com HERE
4 - SPDT relays (add one more if you don't already have one for your lights)
2 - 1 amp diodes (I used Part #1N4001)
Scrap wire/harnesses (preferably with female connectors that will fit on the pins inside the switch)
Electrical Tape
Hot Glue (to hold the pinned in wires in place)

Although there's plenty of room for standard automotive SPDT relays under the dash, I used micro relays to save some space, these can easily be found at radioshack but will need to be soldered onto a board. If you don't mind stuffing them, standard automotive SPDT relays will work just fine. Make sure whatever relay you use for the lamps themselves is rated at the load you will be putting on them! If in doubt, just use standard automotive SPDT relays for everything.

Also, here are some pics of the wiring I pinned in to my switch and the switch installed:

and here's a link to the original thread: http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f10/new-piaa-lighting-57237/#post867164

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Reactions: 1

Mr Spock

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 28, 2010

Thanks 2.0. You da man!

rorybellows

· #8 · Apr 28, 2010

does courtesy have the harness too. i would like to get rid of the kc switch to make it look stock

ToddG

· #9 · Apr 28, 2010

nismo2point0 said:
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you on that write up, but I had some time today while doing laundry and finally got around to drawing it all up for you. I've attached a printable PDF for you or anyone who wants to use this switch for your lighting needs.

Parts required will be:

1 - Xterra Off-Road Lamp Switch available at CourtesyParts.com HERE
4 - SPDT relays (add one more if you don't already have one for your lights)
2 - 1 amp diodes (I used Part #1N4001)
Scrap wire/harnesses (preferably with female connectors that will fit on the pins inside the switch)
Electrical Tape
Hot Glue (to hold the pinned in wires in place)

Although there's plenty of room for standard automotive SPDT relays under the dash, I used micro relays to save some space, these can easily be found at radioshack but will need to be soldered onto a board. If you don't mind stuffing them, standard automotive SPDT relays will work just fine. Make sure whatever relay you use for the lamps themselves is rated at the load you will be putting on them! If in doubt, just use standard automotive SPDT relays for everything.

Also, here are some pics of the wiring I pinned in to my switch and the switch installed:

and here's a link to the original thread: http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f10/new-piaa-lighting-57237/#post867164

Thanks for the diagram, this will definitely help some folks out.

nismo2point0

· #10 · Apr 28, 2010

rorybellows said:
does courtesy have the harness too. i would like to get rid of the kc switch to make it look stock

unfortunately no, you have to buy the entire dash harness (not cheap!) I used old harnesses I had lying around and just de-pinned them and used the molex terminals to insert over the pins. You can see in one of the pictures that I taped every-other one both to prevent them from touching, and to help them stay a little snugger together. Additionally, I also dumped hot glue in there and taped firmly around it all.

The other plug you see in the picture is a plug that I added so that I could still remove my underdash with all the switches still in. It makes it easier for service.

dubie2003

· #11 · Apr 28, 2010

Okay, this is probably a very stupid question but on your PDF, it looks like you are using 4 relays in addition to the switch, is this true?

nismo2point0

· #12 · Apr 28, 2010

dubie2003 said:
Okay, this is probably a very stupid question but on your PDF, it looks like you are using 4 relays in addition to the switch, is this true?

not a stupid question at all.

So the switch only gives you a momentary pulse. If you JUST used the switch, you would have to hold it down the entire time you want the lights to be on, as soon as you let it go the lights would shut off. The 4 relays create a latching output from a single momentary pulse, and break the latched output with another pulse. So instead of driving your light relay off of the switch like a traditional latching switch setup, the light relay is actually driven from the 4 relay setup, which is toggled using a single momentary pulse provided by pressing and releasing the switch.

All together you would need:
Xterra Off-Road Switch
4 relays - you will use these to convert the momentary output from the switch, to a latched output you need to toggle on/off
1 relay - this relay will directly power your lights and will be triggered by the output generated from the 4 relay setup.
2 diodes - these are used to make the 4 relay setup work properly.

I hope this clears things up for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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dubie2003

· #13 · Apr 28, 2010

Thank you very much. That makes more sense now.

06blackse

· #14 · Apr 30, 2010

nismo2point0 said:
not a stupid question at all.

So the switch only gives you a momentary pulse. If you JUST used the switch, you would have to hold it down the entire time you want the lights to be on, as soon as you let it go the lights would shut off. The 4 relays create a latching output from a single momentary pulse, and break the latched output with another pulse. So instead of driving your light relay off of the switch like a traditional latching switch setup, the light relay is actually driven from the 4 relay setup, which is toggled using a single momentary pulse provided by pressing and releasing the switch.

All together you would need:
Xterra Off-Road Switch
4 relays - you will use these to convert the momentary output from the switch, to a latched output you need to toggle on/off
1 relay - this relay will directly power your lights and will be triggered by the output generated from the 4 relay setup.
2 diodes - these are used to make the 4 relay setup work properly.

I hope this clears things up for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

what size diodes(radio shack?)were used? im going to try and tackle this in a few days

bwarren228

· #15 · Apr 30, 2010

nismo2point0 said:
not a stupid question at all.

So the switch only gives you a momentary pulse. If you JUST used the switch, you would have to hold it down the entire time you want the lights to be on, as soon as you let it go the lights would shut off. The 4 relays create a latching output from a single momentary pulse, and break the latched output with another pulse. So instead of driving your light relay off of the switch like a traditional latching switch setup, the light relay is actually driven from the 4 relay setup, which is toggled using a single momentary pulse provided by pressing and releasing the switch.

So when are you going to start making and selling these harnesses??

nismo2point0

· #16 · May 1, 2010

06blackse said:
what size diodes(radio shack?)were used? im going to try and tackle this in a few days

Sorry for getting back to you a little late, I used 1 amp diodes, 1N4001.

jjg.214

· #17 · Mar 21, 2011

I found these switches with a google search:
Off-Road(Roof top)light switch OEM part number - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

They are OEM toyota, look close enough to nissan for me, and they have springs that hold the switch in then you click it (so it would be a momentary switch without the spring inside) therefore you wouldnt need this big relay set up to latch and un latch the pulse.

Im not sure if these will fit the factory nissan blanks tho, i recall reading somewhere that toyota switches did but i cant seem to find it, does anyone else know?

EarlThePearl

· #18 · Mar 22, 2011

bwarren228 said:
So when are you going to start making and selling these harnesses??

X2. I like the White Rhino Fab bar that holds 2 lights. Getting it rigged up with this switch would be ideal.

gtpskip

· #19 · Mar 23, 2011

this is awesome, I would love to retain the stock look of the switches, (after market switch sticking out just really bugs my ADHD sensibilities)

nismo2point0

· #20 · Mar 24, 2011

this should eliminate the need for 4 relays...

Digi-Key - 255-1759-5-ND (Manufacturer - TK1-L-12V)

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